Colin Ritchie, co-founder of Voyage Audio, offered an inside look at how immersive audio is transforming modern broadcast—and how the company’s Spatial Mic Dante is helping engineers meet the moment.
As Colin puts it, “Immersive audio is no longer a feature; it’s the expectation. Without a spatial foundation, it’s hard to sell the experience.”
The Shift To Immersive Broadcast
Broadcast and streaming audio are entering a new era. Listeners now expect to feel surrounded by sound, whether they’re watching a live sports event, concert stream, or VR experience.
“Broadcast audio has always aimed to feel larger than life,” said Ritchie. “Now we finally have the tools to make that possible.”
With technologies like Dolby ATMOS and Apple Vision Pro, spatial audio is becoming the new normal. To keep up, engineers need capture tools that go beyond analog limitations—solutions that integrate seamlessly into IP-based infrastructures and scale effortlessly across venues.
The Spatial Mic Dante: A Complete Immersive Capture System
Voyage Audio’s Spatial Mic Dante represents the convergence of precision engineering and modern networked audio. By embedding DSP, conversion, and Dante networking directly into the microphone, it collapses a full immersive workflow into one elegant device.
Key Features
- Eight-capsule ambisonic array – Captures direction, height, and depth for true 3D audio imaging.
- Built-in Dante audio networking – Connects directly to AoIP systems, eliminating external preamps and converters.
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Onboard DSP processing – Outputs stereo, 5.1, or Atmos formats instantly.
Virtual mic control – Steer or rotate polar patterns live or in post for precise sound placement. - Advanced plugin suite – Provides KOA-chamber-calibrated filters, direction-of-arrival visualization, and decoding up to 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos.
The result is a format-agnostic capture system—record once, remix for any format later.
Real-World Impact
The Spatial Mic Dante is already making its mark on high-profile productions:
- Super Bowl – Used to capture stadium ambience, crowd reaction, and the iconic jet flyover in full 360° audio.
- MLS & Apple Vision Pro – Delivered head-tracked spatial sound perfectly aligned to visual movement.
- College Sports – Enabled live virtual mic steering to follow unpredictable crowd or marching band locations.
- Ringo Starr Live Concerts – Served as a 3D room mic for Atmos music releases, creating the feeling of “being there.”
With Dante networking, engineers can easily scale the system—deploy multiple mics, control them remotely, and integrate directly into existing IP infrastructures.
Built Tough for Demanding Environments
Beyond its sound quality and network integration, the Spatial Mic Dante was engineered for durability. Tested through an entire SEC college football season in rain, snow, and wind, it proved reliable enough for Super Bowl-level deployments.
The Future of Immersive Audio
The Spatial Mic Dante is more than a microphone—it’s a gateway to the next era of sound. By merging tactile craftsmanship with modern IP workflow, Voyage Audio empowers engineers to capture and deliver audio that feels as real as it looks. Whether used in a stadium, a concert hall, or a VR studio, it brings immersive sound within reach—scalable, accurate, and future-ready.
To learn more or to arrange a test drive of the Spatial Mic, reach out to us today.
Want to catch Colin's entire NAB NY booth presentation? Check out the full video below:
